Highway 26 and US-101 connect Portland with the north Oregon coast.
Driving to the north Oregon coast
From Portland, Highway 26 crosses the Coast Range before meeting US-101 for the final approach south to Cannon Beach. From Seattle, the route comes through southwest Washington and Astoria. Already on the Oregon coast? US-101 connects the towns north and south of Cannon Beach.
These estimates assume normal traffic; the Portland estimate starts in central Portland. Check live directions and road reports before departure rather than treating these times as an arrival guarantee.
Take Highway 26 west through the Coast Range, then join US-101 south toward Cannon Beach. The forested crossing is the inland part of the journey; US-101 brings you onto the north-coast corridor. Check Oregon road reports for incidents and construction before setting out.
Follow I-5 south toward Longview, then continue toward Astoria via US-30 in Oregon and take US-101 south to Cannon Beach. Check both Washington and Oregon road reports: this approach crosses state lines before reaching the coast.
Astoria and Seaside lie north of Cannon Beach; follow US-101 south from either. From Tillamook to the south, follow US-101 north. Check TripCheck for current incidents and construction along the coast highway.
For a longer coastal journey, the Columbia River estuary and Fort Stevens add stops to the north. South of Cannon Beach, US-101 continues past headlands and small coast towns toward Tillamook. Leave room for those stops beyond the driving time.
Arrival map
Portland usually reaches Cannon Beach by Highway 26 and US-101. Seattle drivers can use I-5, US-30, and US-101, while Seaside and Tillamook connect along the coast highway. The lines show regional corridors; check live directions and TripCheck before driving.
Second Star gear guide
Road Trip Essentials
Road-trip packing list
Phone mounts, coolers, emergency kits, chargers, packing pieces, and glovebox backup for scenic drives and weekend routes.
Car Phone Mounts
$19.99
Road Trip Coolers
$275.00
Car Emergency Kits
$69.95
Once you reach town
Parking demand is highest on summer weekends, holidays, and event dates. Review the City of Cannon Beach's current parking map before choosing a lot or street, and follow the posted rules; restrictions and available spaces can change.
A space near downtown puts many Hemlock Street businesses and central beach access points within walking distance. If those are your first stops, consider them together when choosing where to park rather than planning a separate drive for each.
Keep exploring
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